2 dead, 1 critical after street-racing crash in Anaheim

ANAHEIM, Calif. (CNS/ FOX 11) - Two men died Saturday in a fiery collision when their Infinity crashed into an apartment patio and burst into flames during an apparent street race in Anaheim.

The crash occurred just before 2 a.m. in the area of Ball Road, west of Euclid Street, said Sgt. Daron Wyatt of the Anaheim Police Department.

The driver, a 19-year-old Stanton resident, was pronounced dead at the scene. His rear-seat passenger, also pronounced dead at the scene, has yet to be identified, Wyatt said.

Their names will be released pending notification of next of kin, according to the coroner's office.

Anaheim Fire and Rescue held an early morning press conference that they streamed on Facebook.

Witnesses told police the deceased were involved in a race with another vehicle, both traveling west on Ball Road at high rates of speed when the driver of the car lost control while passing through Euclid Street.

This caused the vehicle to jump the north curb, shear a concrete light pole and strike several parked cars before bursting into flames when it came to rest against the apartment building, Wyatt said.

First responders found the vehicle fully engulfed, which killed the two people inside, Wyatt said, adding that the victims were badly burned.

A third person, described only as a male, was found outside the vehicle with severe burns and was taken to the hospital in critical condition, Wyatt said.

It is believed he was in the vehicle, but it is not known if he was ejected or if he escaped.

The fire did not extend to the living quarters of the apartment, but there is some minor structural damage and three adult residents were displaced and being assisted by the American Red Cross, Wyatt said.

The other vehicle fled and was described as a red sports car, similar to a Mustang or Camaro, Wyatt said.

Anyone who saw the crash or sees the other vehicle involved was urged to call Crime Stoppers at 855-TIP-OCCS (847-6227).